Dressmaker

Dressmakers make a variety of garments according to individual customers’ orders. They measure customers and may give advice about suitable fabrics and designs. Dressmakers carry out all the tasks to produce finished items. Some also offer an alteration and repair service.

Also known as

• Bespoke dressmaker
• Seamstress/seamster

Work activities

Dressmakers make a range of light clothing, including dresses, for customers. The dressmaker measures the customer and helps to select a fabric, if the customer has not already decided. They sometimes advise clients on style. The dressmaker then gives a price, after taking into consideration the cost of materials and the length of time needed to make the garment. The customer’s measurements are developed into a pattern, which is laid onto the fabric. The dressmaker then cuts around the pattern. Sometimes, the pattern is drawn directly onto the cloth. After the fabric has been cut, it is pinned and tacked together for a fitting. The dressmaker then carefully sews the garment together using different types of stitches. The work is finished on a sewing machine. Once completed, the garment is pressed. Dressmakers sometimes also offer an alteration and repair service.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Nimble fingers.
• Number skills for carrying out calculations and measurements.
• An eye for visual effect as the work demands imagination and creativity.
• Good eyesight.
• To be aware of current fashion trends.
• Good concentration skills.

When dealing with customers, you’ll need to be:

• Patient and have a friendly manner.
• Good at explaining things to people.

A lot of time is spent sitting or bending over work.

Pay and opportunities

Self-employed dressmakers’ incomes may vary according to levels of work.

Employed dressmakers may work a 36-38-hour week. However, they may be required to work overtime at evenings and weekends, especially during busy times. Part-time work is common. Self-employed dressmakers decide their own hours of work.

Clothing manufacturers specialising in haute couture or high fashion employ dressmakers. Opportunities for dressmakers occur with firms in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced dressmakers to work independently as self-employed dressmakers, working from home or business premises.

What’s happening in this area?

Employment has been in falling for many years within this industry. This is sometimes due to competition from manufacturers based abroad in the garment industry.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. Some people begin dressmaking as a hobby and discover that they have a flair for it. Many people are self-taught.

An level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship as a garment maker is also great place to start, combining on-the-job learning with study leading to a qualification.

It may be possible to become a dressmaker via various City and Guilds, or Edexcel BTEC courses; for example, art and design, manufacturing textiles and so on. Formal training is usually on-the-job with day-release or evening study at college.

It is very common for dressmakers to become self-employed. For people working for a company, progress will usually be towards supervisory positions.

Qualifications

You do not usually need academic qualifications to enter this work – experience is often more important. However, GCSEs in art and design, and design and technology (textiles technology) will be useful.

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained using your hands are useful. Sewing machine skills are essential. Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Related careers

• Clothing alteration worker
• Fashion designer
• Sewing machinist
• Tailor
• Upholsterer